It shall be unlawful to own, keep, or harbor a vicious dog in the city except in accordance with the following provisions.
(A) Leash and muzzle. No person shall permit a vicious dog to go outside its kennel or pen unless such dog is securely leashed with a leash no longer than four feet in length. No person shall permit a vicious dog to be kept on a chain, rope, or other type of leash outside its kennel or pen unless a person is in physical control of the leash. Such dogs may not be leashed to inanimate objects such as trees, posts, or buildings. In addition, all vicious dogs on a leash outside its kennel or pen must be muzzled by a muzzling device sufficient to prevent such dog from biting persons or other animals.
(B) Confinement. All vicious dogs shall be securely confined indoors or in a securely enclosed and locked pen or kennel, except when leashed and muzzled as provided above. Such pen, kennel, or structure must have secure sides and a secure top attached to the sides. All structures used to confine vicious dogs must be locked with a key or combination lock when such dogs are within the structure. Said structure must have a secure bottom or floor attached to the sides of the pen or the sides of the pen must be imbedded in the ground no less than two feet. Also such structures must be adequately lighted and ventilated and kept in a clean and sanitary condition.
(C) Confinement indoors. No vicious dog may be kept on a porch, patio, or any part of a house or structure that would allow the dog to exit such building on its own volition. In addition, no such animal may be kept in a house or structure when the windows are open or when screen windows or screen doors are the only obstacle preventing the dog from exiting the structure.
(D) Signs. All owners, keepers, or harborers of vicious dogs within the city shall display in a prominent place on their premises a sign easily readable by the public using the words “Beware of Dog”. In addition, a similar sign is required to be posted on the kennel or pen of such dog.
(Prior Code, § 205.040) (Ord. 240, passed 3-1-1988) Penalty, see § 90.99